Md. Shafiqul Islam Rana

Part – 1

A luxurious, modern building stands near the police outpost in Bogura’s suburb. Named Habiba Tower, this eight-story building contains a total of 24 flats. According to locals, its current market value is at least 200 million taka (20 crore). The owner of the building is Md. Mahbubur Rahman.

He also owns a three-story house near the Matir Dali Bhangari area in the same city, valued at no less than 10 million taka (1 crore). In the Jaleshwari Sadia Garden area—considered one of the most high-society residential zones—he owns two flats worth at least 20 million taka (2 crore). At Satmatha Altab Ali Market, he owns a large wholesale medicine shop. Additionally, he owns land worth at least 20 million taka beneath the Matir Dali Bridge.

Near the bypass road, he owns about 20 bighas of land valued at over 100 million taka (10 crore). He also owns two more flats in Tumpa Tower in the suburb, worth around 20 million taka. In the capital city Dhaka, he owns two flats in Kazipara and Shewrapara, valued at approximately 20 million taka.

Beyond these visible assets, he reportedly owns vast undisclosed wealth. However, Mahbubur Rahman has not accumulated these properties solely under his own name. While he is the actual owner, some properties are registered in his name, while others are in the names of his wife and three daughters. If investigated by the Anti-Corruption Commission, detailed records of these assets would likely emerge. However, it is alleged that investigations often stall midway due to his financial influence, and no media reports about his alleged irregularities and wealth accumulation are published.

Mahbubur Rahman, now reportedly a hundred-crore taka owner, is employed at the state-owned oil distribution company Meghna Petroleum. He currently serves as a Depot Superintendent (DS) at the Godnail Depot in Siddhirganj, Narayanganj. His total monthly salary is about 70,000 taka, yet he has allegedly amassed wealth worth hundreds of crores during his career.

There are longstanding allegations that wherever he has worked, he has left behind evidence of corruption and irregularities. Oil theft has allegedly become both his profession and obsession behind the cover of his official duties.

At present, under his leadership, irregularities at the Meghna Petroleum Godnail Depot in Siddhirganj have reportedly become routine. Protests have even been staged by tanker owners and workers demanding his removal, but no effective action has been taken. Despite disciplinary actions against subordinate staff, Mahbubur Rahman remains in his position.

On December 23, 2025, allegations emerged that 3,000 liters of diesel were smuggled from the Godnail Depot in 15 drums under the name of Rabbi Traders without proper documentation. Following the incident, Meghna Petroleum formed an investigation committee. Based on its findings, a meterman named Sabuj was dismissed, Mahbubur Rahman was warned, and another employee named Lokman was temporarily suspended. The company also imposed a six-month restriction on oil lifting for the concerned entity.

Earlier, on August 13, 2025, another incident involved invoicing 9,000 liters of diesel in the name of Badsha Textile. However, a tanker loaded a total of 11,250 liters, including an extra 2,250 liters illegally. Investigations revealed that meterman Sabuj, in collusion with the tanker driver, sold the excess fuel. Local individuals intercepted the tanker and informed the depot in-charge Mahbubur Rahman. After nearly two hours of negotiation, the matter was allegedly settled, and the tanker was released. To cover up the incident, staff members were reassigned.

Despite these incidents, Mahbubur Rahman is accused of continuing illegal activities by changing routes. Instead of road transport, smuggled oil is now allegedly being transported via waterways. Assistant metermen and contractor-appointed metermen are reportedly involved. It is also alleged that he pays monthly bribes to various staff members to sustain these operations.

On December 24, 2025, Meghna Petroleum formed a three-member investigation committee led by Assistant General Manager Md. Shariful Islam. The committee submitted its report after visiting the depot on December 30. However, allegations suggest that responsibility was shifted onto lower-level staff instead of holding Mahbubur Rahman accountable.

On the same day, tanker drivers and workers staged protests in front of the depot demanding his removal. Despite all these developments, Mahbubur Rahman allegedly continues his operations discreetly, supplying smuggled oil to multiple pumps, including Sajeda Plotting, Shitalakkhya Plotting, and Buriganga Plotting. Further details will be revealed in the next installment. (To be continued)